Habitat and Habits: In New Guinea, it occurs in hill and lower montane forest and forest edge (Coates 1985). It is seldom observed, so its habits are poorly known (Coates and Peckover 2001) In the Solomons, its habitat preferences are primary lowland and hill forest, where it is occasionally seen perching at the edge of a clearing in primary forest, and it also perches in the canopy and subcanopy (Coates and Bishop 1997). Beehler et al. (1986) mentioned that this species is usually seen soaring, or sailing low over the canopy, but other authorities have state that it rarely soars. It is usually seen singly or in pairs, and less frequently in small family groups. more....

Food and Feeding Behavior: Feeds on large birds, including Papuan Mountain-pigeon, which are captured by stealth or by stooping from above (Coates and Peckover 2001). more....

Breeding: Rheindt (2010) heard possible courtship vocalizations of this species on Sula Island in April 2009. This is apparently the only available information on breeding.

Conservation: Rare and poorly known throughout its relatively small range (Coates 1985, Coates and Bishop 1997, Coates 2001). Categorized globally as a species of "Least Concern" by BirdLife International> However, there seems to be little existing information on its actual status, or even its basic natural history.